The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/96072
The Devil Wears Prada Trivia (Courtesy of IMDb) • Helen Mirren and Kim Basinger were considered for the role that finally went to Meryl Streep. Juliette Lewis and Claire Danes auditioned for the role of Andy before it went to Anne Hathaway. • One of the props, an "unpublished" Harry Potter book, sold in an online auction for $586. The proceeds went to Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that assists more than 45,000 disadvantaged women each year as they transition into the workforce. • Meryl Streep's character was widely believed to be based on Anna Wintour, the powerful Vogue editor. Wintour reportedly warned major fashion designers against making cameo appearances as themselves in the film. Wintour's spokespeople deny this claim. It is notable, however, that Vogue and other major womens and fashion magazines have avoided reviewing or even mentioning the book in their pages. Wintour was not invited to the premiere, but she did attend an advance press screening (dressed head-to-toe in Prada). • Valentino Garavani, who designed the black gown Streep wears in the museum benefit scene, is the only "name" in fashion to make an appearance in the movie. • Many fashion designers allowed their clothes and accessories to be used in the film, making it the most expensively costumed film in history. • On the first day of filming, Meryl Streep told Anne Hathaway "I think you're perfect for the role. I'm so happy we're going to be working together." Then she followed it up with "That's the last nice thing I'll say to you." And reportedly, it was. a bowl of popcorn in your lap. The acting is top-notch (Streep's performance earned her an Oscar nomination), the writing witty and the fashion apparel spectacular. But there's something else that makes this film worth watching, especially in light of this issue's theme — something very serious and real and recognizable to all of us. Andy's calamities and victories at Runway are not unlike those we all must face and master every day in our own firms and departments — and we do it not just to earn a salary, but to earn our wings on the job and in the world. The film is also a reminder that when it comes to earning those wings, having a boss from you-know-where — perhaps especially having such a boss to challenge us — is most often a blessing in disguise. Memorable Lines Miranda to Andy: By all means move at a glacial pace. You know how that thrills me. Andy: So none of the girls here eat anything? Nigel: Not since size 2 became the new 4 and 0 became the new 2. Andy: Well, I'm a 6. Nigel: Which is the new 14. Jocelyn: They're showing a lot of florals right now, so I was thinking... Miranda: Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking. Andy Spiegel is a creative director for a business software company based in Austin, Texas, and he's a freelance writer. An ardent movie watcher, he maintains a blog called "Austinlad's Private Screening Room," which spotlights movie Emily to Andy: I'm sorry, do you have some prior commitment? Some hideous skirt convention you have to go to? Miranda to Andy: Please bore someone else with your... questions. reviews of films from the '30s to today. He can be reached at andysp@att.net. Peer to Peer 71